Getting into top tier med schools

[mcat2]

<p>^ What you posted makes sense. Thanks!</p>

<p>I had a feeling that the research is more constantly in DS’s mind now. He even mentioned that, for a particular research group, many med students dare not join because of its intensity and the PI requires multiple years commitment upfront (somewhat like MD/PhD super-lite except no pay but it helps build up the resume or the students just try not to fall behind as almost everybody is doing it?). Understandably, some of the students would rather not commit themselves to a specialized research topic as a beginning med student.</p>

<p>At some med schools, the school even encouraged MS0 to meet with PIs during 2nd look event.</p>

[curmudgeon]

<p>

If you look at the mission statements of medical schools, you will see that there is actually a fair amount of variability between ones that talk about research vs. leadership vs. community vs. urban vs. rural, etc. There is more at stake than just how “competitive” your stats are. When medical schools accept students, they are branding them, and they want their brand to look a certain way. Sometimes that means turning away an otherwise excellent candidate because they don’t fit your image. It’s why virtually every school asks “why here” on the secondary. They want your take on how you fit into their brand.

Couldn’t have said it better myself. ;)</p>

[MiamiDAP]

<p>OP,
Test the waters, take swim lessons before you start swimming.
As of now stick to having fun in HS! The HS will not last forever, make this magic time unforgettable.<br>
This is the only advice I have.</p>